Questions about HVAC register/diffuser configurations

[kbuhagiar]

Hello folks,

Hoping to hear from the HVAC pros, or anyone with experience with this sort of problem.

See pictures below - We have two HVAC registers installed over the breakfast nook (11ft x 8ft). As you can see, one of the vents is located in an awkward spot, 6 inches directly above the kitchen cabinets and basically useless. (FWIW I checked the building plans, and this was the result of a last-minute change in the kitchen design. Apparently they neglected to relocate the register to a more efficient location.) The other is located near the wall just above the window. Three-way registers with curved fins and dampers are installed at both locations. I was hoping to increase the efficiency of the airflow by replacing the registers with more appropriate units.

This is the unit above the window; it is typical of the dampered registers installed throughout the house:


Here is the obstructed register:


My idea was to replace the obstructed unit with a non-dampered 'corner left' register...


...and replace the one above the window with a 35-degree fixed-blade register:


What do you think?

Does eliminating the damper increase the amount of airflow, or should I choose units with dampers?
Or am I barking up the wrong tree? If so, can you suggest other possible solutions (short of cutting in a new vent in a better location, which I am trying to avoid)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[PoorUB]

What do you think?

Does eliminating the damper increase the amount of airflow, or should I choose units with dampers?
Or am I barking up the wrong tree? If so, can you suggest other possible solutions (short of cutting in a new vent in a better location, which I am trying to avoid)?

Thanks in advance!

A grill without a damper might increase air flow, but it really depends on the grill. One brand of style might flow more of less than another.

The ony real answer is the one you are avoiding.

 

[fitter30]

Something like this for over the cabinet. 4x12 for wall can see the different in blades between the two.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JN8X79M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[kbuhagiar]

Something like this for over the cabinet. 4x12 for wall can see the different in blades between the two.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JN8X79M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Actual duct size is 12" x 6" but I see that they are available in that size, too.

 

[karoc]

Guessing that duct is not accessible from attic? Remove grill and build fir down around that opening then mount your grill on side of fir down? Not easy solution

 

[kbuhagiar]

Guessing that duct is not accessible from attic? Remove grill and build fir down around that opening then mount your grill on side of fir down? Not easy solution

Duct is accessible from attic. Interesting idea, I'll keep it in mind.

I experimented by removing the existing registers, and fabricating and installing some "hacked" temporary airflow diverters. The results were encouraging, and based on that I ordered new registers, we'll see how they work.